Friday, July 1, 2011

Alison, Ashley and Ceci all came through the doors of Mercy Ministries feeling completely rejected and worthless, with no idea of how to deal with the pain of the past. While at Mercy, they were transformed by the unconditional love of Christ and now have the tools to walk in freedom. Last week, family, friends, staff and residents gathered at the Nashville home for their graduation! Here are their incredible stories of healing and restoration:

Alison

My life before Mercy was a nightmare. I felt awful, hopeless and suicidal. I was miserable. When I was in the third grade, the mother of a family I was very close to said I was a “mistake,” and for no apparent reason, she rejected me and my family. I hid my feelings of rejection and began self-harming to cope with my pain. My sister graduated from Mercy, and I knew that everyone there was genuine and that the program worked. I was desperate for help and desired the same freedom my sister had, so I decided to apply.

While at Mercy, God has done things I never dreamed were possible. I have been completely transformed. I have a relationship with God and a restored family. I know that I am not a mistake, but my life is a testimony, and I have forgiven those who hurt me. I am so thankful because I wouldn’t be alive right now if I hadn’t come to Mercy.

I’m only 14, so after graduation, I will finish school. In the future I plan to go to college, and would like to become a teacher. I don’t know God’s plan me, but for now I will be living life and loving it. Thank you to Nancy and the Mercy staff. I will be forever grateful to you all and to God. This place is amazing!

Ashley

Before coming to Mercy, I had been in therapy and on medications since the age of five. I was physically, mentally and emotionally abused by a family member, and my parents divorced when I was about nine years old. I gained a lot of weight in elementary school, which led to kids teasing me. Then I met a friend in 5th grade who introduced me to pornography, self-harm and other self-destructive behaviors. Things got worse and when I was in ninth grade, I got kicked out of school for possession of alcohol. I had been in other programs, but nothing helped. I heard about Mercy from a family friend and decided to apply because I didn’t want to be angry and unhappy anymore.

While at Mercy, I learned that I am worthy and beautiful. God has shown me that I have a purpose, and I am a good daughter. I have learned that I don’t have to dwell on the past and that I am an overcomer.

After graduation, I am going to finish high school and hope to get a music scholarship for college.

Ceci

My life before Mercy was chaotic. I had no relationship with Jesus. I felt angry and bitter towards the world. I tried cutting, drugs and alcohol to help deal with the pain I endured from physical, sexual and verbal abuse. I was struggling with depression and wanted a change in my life. My aunt told me about Mercy, and I decided to apply.

While at Mercy, God has restored some of my family relationships. I no longer see myself as a victim. God has also taught me a lot about His character and how He is faithful, loving and just. He has walked alongside me through it all.

After graduation, I will finish high school and can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in my future. I love Mercy! The obedience of everyone involved has changed my life.

Congratulations ladies! We’ve seen your positive choices, growing faith and steady transformation and we are very proud of you and the commitment that you’ve shown. You are an amazing group of young women and we look forward to hearing all that God continues to do in you!

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MercyTalk Podcasts with Nancy Alcorn

Have you heard? We launched our new podcast series: “MercyTalk with Nancy Alcorn” at MercyTalk.org (also www.MercyMinistries.com/MercyTalk). Each thirty-minute podcast is hosted by Mercy Ministries Founder and President, Nancy Alcorn, who offers real hope for today’s difficult, real-life issues. New podcasts are posted every Thursday. Listen at www.mercytalk.org.

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